Queenstown Lakes Mayor Vanessa van Uden has reiterated
Queenstown's zero tolerance for drug and alcohol abuse after
a Christchurch judge labelled it "a party town for drugs"
this week.
When sentencing a 22-year-old female in the Christchurch
District Court on charges of possessing the class C drug
speed , Judge Jane Farish described Queenstown as "known for
being a party town for drugs and that's what you were doing
there", The Press reported this week.
Although the female and a male had bought 32 point-bags of
speed in Christchurch, Judge Farish said since the woman had
left Queenstown she had got herself "sorted out".
Ms van Uden said she could not speak directly about Judge
Farish's comments but said the council and police had a "zero
tolerance" policy for drug and alcohol abuse in the resort.
"The police and council make sure the right initiatives and
systems are in place - the CCTV system is a good example of
taking that action."
The council plans to install a closed-circuit television
system by May 19 around the resort's centre and night spots.
"I suspect people don't like to be found on film doing bad
things.
"Its not about wrecking people's fun, but ensuring the fun is
had in a safe environment.
"The police do a very good job here and we are very lucky.
"As a community we need to keep working hard to keep it a
safe place.
"We just need to maintain the things we are doing and send a
clear message we don't have any tolerance for bad behaviour.
"We want people to have fun in Queenstown."
- olivia.caldwell@odt.co.nz
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